Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera Review

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Three years out from that first release, it would be understandable if the camera was found lacking when compared to more up-to-date cameras – and yet, with its Expeed 4 Processor, 24.2 MP DX Format Sensor, and HD stills and video, it still serves as an accessible yet powerful entry-level camera.

The Nikon D3300 DSLR is a reasonably priced opportunity for photographers less familiar with the practice to get started out.

The camera has several guidance-oriented features that can be phased out as the photographer grows more comfortable.

But even when the training wheels are removed, it continues its strong performance, offering impressive functionality and opportunities for increased freedoms with newly available kits.

But first, let’s take a look at some of the stats and let you decide for yourself if the Nikon D3300 is the right camera for you.

This “burst mode” ensures that you’ll get many pictures of your subject to choose from without compromising quality.

This mode is also great when shooting a quick-moving subject, making sure that you don’t miss the moment.

No Anti-Aliasing Filter

A number of high-quality cameras produced by Nikon and its competitors have been released sans their anti-aliasing filter of late, as the lack of such a filter increases the clarity of shots taken.

Originally implemented in order to limit the number of visual anomalies in a photograph, the focus of the D3300 and its kin is now on photo definition.

The lack of an anti-aliasing filter in the D3300 means that your shots will come away with clean lines and stronger definition than shots taken by the cameras preceding it.

Redesigned Kit Lens

In order to combat the general bulk of its competitors, the Nikon D3300 includes a collapsible, redesigned kit lens that reduces the camera’s overall size to just 68 mm when not in use.

The weight of the camera will keep it in a case as opposed to your pocket, but the reduced size is a boon when considering the inflexibility of the D3300’s competitors.

Interactive Guide Mode

In continuing to make itself accessible to beginning photographers, the Nikon D3300 offers an Interactive Guide Mode to direct users through its many varied processes.

More experienced photographers may not make use of this feature, but all the same, it’s useful for identifying just where the Nikon D3300’s many special effects and settings are.

Panorama Mode

The Nikon D3300 lets you get everything in your shot with the Easy Panorama Mode feature.

Similar to the option on recent smartphones, you turn on panorama mode, and pan across your subject -whether that be a beautiful summit, sunrise, or just wanting to get every aspect of the action into frame.

The difference is your more guaranteed to get a high quality panorama shot with Nikon than on your phone.

Auto-Focus System

Nikon continues to make learning easy with it’s 11 point autofocus system.

The autofocus system locks onto whatever you’re shooting making the sometimes troublesome task of getting that perfect focus much more pleasant.

The focus stays locked until you’re done shooting, and even keeps up with faster moving subjects without blur.

The autofocus continues to shine when shooting video, making sure you don’t lose focus throughout filming.

Other notable features include:

Fixed 3.0″ 921k-dot LCD

1080 HD video

700 shot battery life

13 special effects

Nikon D3300 Digital SLR Camera Review

With its stats in mind, we can see if this three-year-old camera really stands up to the test of time.

The Positives

Excellence in Entry-Level

Even at three years old, the Nikon D3300 Camera proves itself to be one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners.

Its accessibility, for one, ensures that new photographers will be able to understand the ins and outs of its machinery with ease.

Beyond that, the Nikon D3300 doesn’t sacrifice quality for ease of use. Even compared to newer model cameras, it stands as a device that delivers professional quality prints.

If you’re looking to start out on a new hobby, or if you’re looking to enable someone else, the Nikon D3300 is one of the best cameras for you to use.

To help a bit further, the D3300 includes the same ISO sensitivity in this updated model. This keeps it easy to shoot indoors or in low light settings.

This high sensitivity ISO gives that extra boost to photos that are shot in low lighting to ensure a clear, non-grainy shot, while the on camera flash is great for starters to practice with before upgrading to additional flashes.

The camera is designed to deliver and to allow for experimentation.

Not only will shots come out crisp, colourful, and inviting, but the Nikon D3300’s 13 different special effect filters allow for photo alteration either in the field or in post.

This camera makes itself as artistic as technologically sound, allowing it to continue serving photographers years after its release.

Not Just For Photos

The Nikon D3300 gives you the option of shooting both photos and videos in high quality. So if you’re looking for double duty, you’re covered.

You don’t have to limit yourself to grainy amateur videos thanks to the camera’s ability to shoot in high definition of up to 1080p and 60fps.

The camera also comes with a built-in microphone to capture sound, though it should be noted the microphone will pick up any bumps, or changes within the camera.

It’s great that the microphone is sensitive, but it can be detrimental if it catches the clicking of the camera while shooting your feature. Thankfully, the D3300 includes a jack that allows you to add external microphones.

The same features that help you take stunning photos will help with shooting videos as well. Utilize features like the auto-focus, panorama and filter options for more professional looking shots.

Here’s a video showing how to set up the Nikon D3300 for a simple shoot:

Impressive Battery Life

On a simpler note, the Nikon D3300’s battery life stands comfortably next to that of its competitors.

The camera’s 700 shot battery life ensures that whether you’re on vacation or a specific shoot, you’ll be able to capture all the images you desire.

Simple yet essential, the Nikon D3300’s battery life is another area in which it excels.

The Negatives

No Built-In Wi-Fi

A bit of a kicker in this day and age, the Nikon D3300’s lack of built-in Wi-Fi is the one area in which the camera’s been left in 2014.

Built-in Wi-Fi allows for improved photo storage in a camera, ensuring that even if a camera is damaged during a shoot, the photos are likely to survive.

It’s a little riskier to work with a camera without built-in Wi-Fi nowadays, but then again, photography did exist before the Internet did.

If you really can’t live without the Wi-Fi functionality, Nikon has the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter available for purchase to help.

It allows your camera to be Wi-Fi compatible with Apple and Android operating systems through an app that will have to be installed before using.

But, who doesn’t like to live life on the edge?

Fixed 3” in LCD

Another mark against the Nikon D3300 is its fixed 3” LCD screen.

Newer camera models allow their screens to flip out, improving photographer flexibility during a shoot. This lack of mobility may limit the kinds of pictures that you can take, but it also reduces the Nikon D3300’s overall size.

This is a give-or-take con; how it impacts you depends on the type of photography experience you want.

Overall Verdict

The Nikon D3300 Digital SLR Camera shows itself to be quite a tenacious camera that stands up to its competitors.

The three year gap period between the Nikon D3300 and other comparable cameras isn’t negligible – the D3300 is lacking in some minor areas – but it is proven non-detrimental to its worth and ability.

It still holds up as a camera excellent for beginning photographers, and it can be found at a competitive price tag.

The Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera’s power and opportunity ensures that it’ll produce quality shots and an excellent photographing experience.

Where to Buy the Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera

Nikon is a veteran in the photography game making it commonly available. The Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera is a popular addition to its long line of cameras making it easy to find in-store and online.

For starters, the Nikon D3300 is available at the following online retailers.

That’s it for our review on the Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera. Tempted to give it a shot?

Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera Rated

Photography Quality

Videography Quality

Ease of Use

Accessories

Value for Money

Craft Schmaft Verdict

The Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera is a top choice for novice photographers looking to master their skills.

If you're looking for a camera that's easy to use, practical, durable and promises high-quality shots, you've definitely found it.

Since the camera is basically an update on the previous D3200 model, it does lack in some features like wifi capabilities - but Nikon makes add-ons available for purchase to make up for what's missing.